I went into watching Netflix’s eight-part modern-day contemporary retelling of Greek mythology, Kaos, as someone who only very vaguely recalls the stories.
Nevertheless, I’m among the film/TV fans who hoped for such a production. Now that it’s arrived and I’ve seen it all, what stands out most is Jeff Goldblum’s memorable performance as Zeus, king of the gods. A character who is equally charming and unlikeable. One who, as predicted, embodies the reality that absolute power corrupts absolutely.
I enjoyed the series, even though the execution could have been slicker. An expectation for which I partly blame Game of Thrones (2011 – 2019), because it raised my expectations and standards for complex stories about power and the numerous characters involved in the fight for or against it.
Besides Goldblum, should the series be renewed for a second season, I hope it gets even better. Especially since it would be fun to see Zeus deal with whatever Aurora Perrineau’s Riddy and others on her side have planned for him and his family of gods.
What’s clear by the end of season one is that Chaos has most certainly arrived. I look forward to meeting all the other gods that have so far only been referred to by name. I.e. Athena, Artemis, Apollo, Aphrodite and many more, I’m sure, considering Zeus’s proclivities.
Watch it if you’re curious.
Happy Film Loving,
G
I binge-watched it as soon as it was released. I wasn’t sure what to expect other than it would be good. I thought it was well done and liked how they pulled the different plot lines together at the end of it. The only thing that was missing for me was any kind of humor. It was grim all the way through! I really liked the casting choices. I like the way you described Goldblum’s portrayal of Zeus.
Agreed, the humour certainly wasn’t front and centre but I was amused in some moments.
Thanks for the compliment. 😊 🙏 Because it’s Goldblum, one naturally wants to like his characters but, in Kaos, we can only like him half the time. And even when we do, it’s because he’s doing something amusing but also very cruel because he is the King of the Gods, after all. I hope Season two is in the works. I nearly typed ‘I hope Susan 2 is in the works.’ 😁
I stand corrected Gia. Any humor could be considered very dark humor. Like when he lined his many, many sailor-dressed young man servants along the edge of the roof and shot them one by one.
Exactly. That’s the example that came to mind right away.
You know, the series, set in modern times, is analogy for how corporations/governments treat their work force/military. Sending young men to their deaths as objects is just like this 🙁
Sadly, that sounds about right.
It’s on my list to watch!
Do it, you’ll be amused, somewhat horrified but often smiling.